Gateron Glory Red vs. Bsun Taichi
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Glory Red and the Bsun Taichi both present compelling options for enthusiasts seeking a linear typing experience. The Gateron Glory Red is renowned for its lighter actuation, providing a smooth keystroke and pleasing travel distance that many users find enjoyable for both typing and gaming. This switch is ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch and a more responsive feel. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi is distinguished by its unique high-pitched bottom-out sound, thanks to its long-pole stem and extended springs, which contribute to unmatched smoothness and stability during use. This switch might be a more appealing choice for users who appreciate auditory feedback along with their tactile experience. Both switches offer their own unique benefits, making them suitable for different preferences and styles of use. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POK
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
21mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Glory Red and the Bsun Taichi switches showcase distinct contrasts in their top housing materials, which significantly influence the auditory and tactile experience of the user. The Glory Red features a nylon top housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic arises from nylon's softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound, leading to a more subdued and rounded auditory feedback when typing. In contrast, the Taichi utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, producing a crisper, higher-pitched sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffer nature allows for a clearer and more resonant acoustic experience, making it particularly favorable for those who appreciate sharper auditory cues in their typing or gaming activities.
While the top housings of the two switches differ significantly, they both utilize nylon in the bottom housings, which brings a consistency in their sound profiles at that end of the switch. Both the Gateron Glory Red and Bsun Taichi are equipped with nylon bottom housings, leading to a deeper and fuller sound when bottoming out. This shared material contributes to the overall tactile feel when the key is pressed down, providing users with similar sensations during actuation and bottoming out. Thus, while the top housing materials create different auditory experiences, the bottom housings unify the typist's experience with their shared nylon property.
When considering the overall performance of the two switches, the interplay between the top and bottom housings becomes crucial in determining the entire sound profile. For both the Gateron Glory Red and Bsun Taichi, the experience of typing will be shaped by the nylon bottom housing—resulting in a deeper sound when keys are pressed—and influenced by the respective top housing materials, resulting in either a fuller or crisper auditory feedback when keys are released. Therefore, while users of the Taichi may appreciate the clarity and brightness provided by the polycarbonate top housing, they will still experience the nylon's absorption properties when keys are fully pressed. This combination creates a nuanced typing experience that highlights the importance of material choice in mechanical switches.
Weight
The Gateron Glory Red linear switch features an actuation force of 45 grams, whereas the Bsun Taichi linear switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 40 grams. This difference indicates that the Taichi may be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch, allowing for longer typing sessions with less fatigue. However, both switches have unspecified bottom out forces, making it difficult to compare how firmly they feel when pressed all the way down. Given the provided actuation forces, the Glory Red is heavier overall, which may appeal to users seeking a more substantial typing experience. Conversely, for users who value a lighter switch, the Taichi would be the preferred option.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm, indicating that their actuation points are identical. This similarity means that users can expect a comparable keystroke feel when using either switch, providing a consistent typing experience. Since their travel distances are equal, the overall performance and responsiveness during use may also feel similar for those who prefer linear switches. Consequently, switching between the Glory Red and Taichi should result in little to no noticeable difference in terms of how far the key must be pressed down to register a keystroke.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Glory Red has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Red for $4.19.
The Bsun Taichi has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taichi for $2.25.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the Gateron Glory Red switch is noted for its relatively muted characteristics, providing a more subtle auditory feedback compared to other switches, which can make it appealing for users who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi linear switch produces a unique, high-pitched sound upon bottoming out, thanks to its long-pole design and extended springs. This distinct acoustic profile could be favored by those who enjoy more pronounced sound effects during typing, but also indicates that these two switches will cater to different preferences regarding auditory feedback.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Glory Red switch is celebrated for its smooth keystroke and pleasing travel distance, delivering a light touch that many newcomers find approachable and enjoyable. In contrast, the Taichi is designed with a focus on unparalleled smoothness and stability, which is made possible through its specially engineered walled stems. This means that while both switches offer a linear feel with no tactile bump or click, the Glory Red may feel lighter and easier to press, whereas the Taichi might give a slightly more stable and controlled experience, appealing to different user preferences in terms of keystroke resistance.
In summary, both the Gateron Glory Red and Bsun Taichi linear switches present unique qualities appealing to different types of users. The Glory Red excels in offering a quiet yet satisfying typing experience, making it ideal for those who favor a more subdued sound profile. Meanwhile, the Taichi stands out for its pronounced acoustic feedback and stable feel, catering to enthusiasts who appreciate a more noticeable sound and enhanced smoothness. Ultimately, whether one chooses the Glory Red or the Taichi, both switches promise an enjoyable typing experience, albeit through different auditory and tactile avenues.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, consider your personal preferences regarding typing feel and sound profile. The Glory Red switches are ideal for you if you prefer a smooth keystroke coupled with a lighter feel, making them great for fast-paced typing or gaming sessions where quick responses are paramount. Their enjoyable travel distance enhances your overall typing experience, making them suitable for long hours of use without fatigue. On the other hand, if you find yourself attracted to a more unique auditory experience, the Taichi switches may be the better choice. With their high-pitched bottom-out sound, they cater to those who appreciate a distinct auditory feedback while enjoying excellent smoothness and stability thanks to their long-pole stem and extended springs. Ultimately, if you prioritize a more traditional, lighter switch for seamless typing, the Glory Red is your best bet. However, if you're looking for an engaging auditory profile along with a smooth typing experience, the Taichi switches may elevate your setup. Consider these factors before making your decision to ensure that you choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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